Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Westernized populations. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) appears to be a crucial step in atherogenesis. Thus, the role of dietary micronutrients in decreasing LDL oxidation assumes considerable significance. The most consistent data with respect to micronutrient antioxidants and atherosclerosis appear to relate to a-tocopherol (AT), the predominant lipid-soluble antioxidant in LDL. In addition to decreasing LDL oxidation, data support an effect of AT on critical cells in atherogenesis (monocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelium) that are potentially anti-atherogenic.